Brief Overview of περισσῶς (Strong’s G4057: perissos)

Strong’s G4057: An adverb derived from περισσός (perissos), meaning “exceedingly” or “beyond measure.” In biblical contexts, it expresses actions or emotions of exceptional intensity, often describing passionate responses or extraordinary circumstances beyond normal bounds.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περισσῶς (perissos) functions as an intensifying adverb expressing actions or states that go beyond ordinary measures. Its primary meaning centers on “exceedingly” or “abundantly,” while secondary meanings include “vehemently” or “extraordinarily.” In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of heightened emotional intensity or extraordinary circumstances, often describing passionate responses to Christ or exceptional manifestations of divine work. Early church writers employed this term to express the extraordinary nature of God’s intervention and the appropriate intensity of Christian devotion. Today, it challenges believers to recognize and respond to God’s extraordinary work with extraordinary devotion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περισσῶς, perissos, per-is-soce’
• Detailed pronunciation: per (as in “pair”) + is (as in “is”) + soce (as in “dose”)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• περισσός (perissos) – base adjective meaning “extraordinary”
• -ῶς (-os) – adverbial suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Exceedingly
• Abundantly
• Vehemently
• Beyond measure
• Extraordinarily

For compound words:
Base word περισσός indicates extraordinary quality
Suffix -ῶς transforms it into an adverb of manner

Translation Options:

1. Exceedingly – emphasizes degree beyond normal
2. Vehemently – captures emotional intensity
3. Beyond measure – highlights exceptional degree

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σφόδρα (sphodra) [sfod’-rah] – greatly, but more general
• λίαν (lian) [lee’-an] – very much, less intense
• ὑπερβαλλόντως (hyperballontos) [hoop-er-bal-lon’-toce] – exceeding greatly

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adverbial Features:

• Fixed form (doesn’t decline)
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Derived from adjective

Cross-references:

• Base adjective: περισσός
• Related verb: περισσεύω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing extraordinary degree or intensity. Thayer’s notes its frequency in contexts of emotional intensity. LSJ documents its classical usage indicating excess or abundance. Vine’s connects it to the concept of surpassing measure. Strong’s highlights its meaning of “superabundantly.” Moulton and Milligan note its use in intensifying expressions in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“But they cried out all the more [περισσῶς], ‘Let him be crucified!'” (Matthew 27:23)

Additional References:
Mark 10:26
Mark 15:14
Acts 26:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περισσῶς powerfully expresses the extraordinary nature of divine action and human response in God’s kingdom. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus is worthy of our most passionate devotion and that His work in our lives exceeds normal measures. This word challenges believers to recognize God’s extraordinary grace and respond with extraordinary faith and commitment.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient theatrical texts describing intense emotional performances.
2. Early Christian martyrdom accounts often used this word to describe their zeal for Christ.
3. It was used in medical literature to describe severe symptoms or intense treatments.

Strong’s G4057: An adverb expressing extraordinary degree or intensity beyond normal measure. Used in contexts of heightened emotional or spiritual intensity, particularly in describing passionate responses or exceptional circumstances in relation to divine action.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #intensity #extraordinary #abundance #passion #devotion #excess #NewTestament #GreekGrammar #BiblicalGreek #Theology #Kingdom #Zeal​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​